On the Issues...

TAX REFORM

I am committed to ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. I believe everyone is interested in paying fewer taxes. As our property values rise it is incumbent upon your city leaders to offer relief where possible. I'd rather leave the money in your pocket so it is your choice how to spend it. I have fought for tax reform in the past and I'll continue to do it as your Mayor.

Do Taxes Matter to You?

My parents taught be at a young age, "Deeds over hot speak." In this runoff for Keller Mayor, we sure have heard a lot of hot speak and campaign promises coming from my opponent. Luckily for Keller voters, both Mayoral candidates have an actual "record" to be compared by. And as they say, facts don't like folks:

Rick Barnes - Years on City Council: 3; Reduced the Tax Rate: All 3 years; Homestead Exemption?: Brought homeowners the first exemption increase in over 30 years. Relieving homeowners up to 4% off their home values!

My Opponent - Years on City Council: 14; ; Reduced the Tax Rater: NEVER, but did manage to increase the tax rate once; Homestead Exemption?: NEVER!

When it comes to which Mayoral candidate will fight to bring you and your family Tax Relief, the records speak for themselves folks!

#TaxesMatter

**********

PROPERTY RIGHTS

I believe in the rights of property owners - residential, commercial and agricultural. We should work to protect the zoning and the future land use plan. When alterations are made, they should be done for the right reasons and with open and transparent conversation with all related owners.

**********

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Keller has to work hard to attract the best restaurants and retail establishments available. I voted AGAINST the storage units because I do not believe they bring quality to Keller - at least in their present locations. In my three years on Council we have established policies that restrict drive-thru eateries. But we have also seen continued growth - we just came off the largest year for economic development we've ever had in this city. Let's not let that end!

********

QUALITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

I will maintain zoning density as to protect the openness we are known for in our great city. I support quality residential development throughout Keller.

*********

Code of Fair Campaign Practices

One of the optional items for submission when announcing one's candidacy for elected office is whether or not the candidate chooses to sign the Code of Fair Campaign Practices. When it comes to ethics, there is no hesitation on my part - I signed the form immediately. The form reads:

There are basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play that every candidate and political committee in this state has a moral obligation to observe and uphold, in order that, after vigorously but fairly conducted campaigns, our citizens may exercise their constitutional rights to a free and untrammeled choice and the will of the people may be fully and clearly expressed on the issues.

THEREFORE:

(1) I will conduct the campaign openly and publicly and limit attacks on my opponent to legitimate challenges to my opponent's record and stated positions on issues.

(2) I will not use or permit the use of character defamation, whispering campaigns, libel, slander, or scurrilous attacks on any candidate or the candidate's personal or family life.

(3) I will not use or permit any appeal to negative prejudice based on race, sex, religion, or national origin.

(4) I will not use campaign material of any sort that misrepresents, distorts, or otherwise falsified the facts, nor will I use malicious or unfounded accusations that aim at creating or exploiting doubts, without justification, as to the personal integrity or patriotism of my opponent.

(5) I will not undertake or condone any dishonest or unethical practice that tends to corrupt or undermine our system of free elections or that hampers or prevents the full and free expression of the will of the voters, including any activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them from voting.

(6) I will defend and uphold the right of every qualified voter to full and equal participation in the electoral process, and will not engage in any activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them from voting.

(7) I will immediately and publicly repudiate methods and tactics that may come from others that I have pledged not to use or condone. I shall take firm action against any subordinate who violates any provision of this code or the laws governing elections.

I, the undersigned, candidate for election to public office in the State of Texas or campaign treasurer of a political committee, hereby voluntarily endorse, subscribe to, and solemnly pledge myself to conduct the campaign in accordance with the above principles and practices.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Focus On the Future, part 1

Focus On the Future

Today, I am very proud to announce my candidacy for Mayor of our great city.

My wife and I are both native Texans - we built our home and moved to Keller fourteen years ago. We chose Keller as our home after looking throughout the area. We are like most people - we moved here because we love Keller. We love the parks and open spaces, we love the schools and we wanted what we considered a small-town feel close to the big city.

One definition of leadership to which I subscribe says, “Leadership is a process that occurs when shared values foster collaborative relationships that lead to collective action intended to elevate an organization, cause, or community.”

As citizens of Keller, I believe we have shared values and collaborative relationships. We all have much more in common than where we are different. We want much of the same things out of our city. But unfortunately the work of some have divided our relationships. I find the divide to be troubling because I hear a common voice all over town. There is no such thing as a “north” versus “south” mindset - that terminology has been invented by some to lay blame and to avoid the fact that we are all in this together.

As your Mayor I will consider it my responsibility to work with all citizens of Keller. You will never hear me use a term like “special interest” in reference to those with whom I have a disagreement.

I will work tirelessly to unite our city. That’s not to say we must always agree, but we can learn to disagree without being disagreeable. We can learn to discuss and debate but remain good friends and neighbors. We can learn to find common ground in order to move toward the greater good.

Specifically, I will work to unite Keller through a belief that:

- All citizens have a voice and all leaders should listen.
- Government must remain transparent so citizens understand our actions.
- There will always be an open-door policy - regardless of your needs or desires.

I often state that, “The day you realize leadership ain’t about you - you become a better leader.” I have nothing personal to gain. I simply have a strong desire to serve in an ethical manner. I want to be a part of the future of our great city. I believe I can be an effective leader of our Council and the numerous volunteers who serve our many committees and commissions.

I know we are coming off a big federal election so there is a great deal of voter fatigue out there. We have a few months to recover - but then let’s hit the polls in May.